SHOCKING RISE: Troy Franklin Steals the Spotlight at Broncos Camp — Coaches Stunned as Rookie WR Dominates Day 10 with Jaw-Dropping Plays!
Englewood, CO — August 6, 2025
Troy Franklin wasn’t supposed to be the star of Denver Broncos training camp. Drafted in the fourth round just a few months ago, the rookie wide receiver out of Oregon entered camp with modest expectations. Many assumed he’d be fighting just to make the 53-man roster
, buried behind a crowded and talented receiver room that includes Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Marvin Mims Jr.
But ten days into training camp, that narrative has completely flipped — and it’s all because of what happened on Day 10.
Franklin didn’t just “show up” on Tuesday. He exploded. His performance was so electric that reporters, fans, and even Broncos coaches were left wide-eyed. Whispers turned into shouts: Troy Franklin is the real deal.
A Star is Born
During Tuesday’s padded practice, Franklin torched the defense time and again. He made defenders look like they were standing still, running precision routes with breakaway speed and buttery-soft hands. The play that had everyone talking came midway through practice — a deep 45-yard touchdown bomb from Bo Nix, his former Oregon teammate, over starting cornerback Damarri Mathis.
Franklin tracked the ball like a veteran, adjusting mid-route and pulling it in with one hand while keeping his feet inbounds. The entire sideline erupted. Coaches clapped. Veterans nodded in disbelief. Fans gasped.
“I’ve been around this game a long time,” said head coach Sean Payton, “and you don’t see rookies do that very often. He’s got the juice. And he’s earning more and more trust every day.”
Chemistry with Bo Nix
Part of Franklin’s sudden rise can be credited to his built-in chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix, also a Broncos rookie. The two were a deadly duo at Oregon last season, combining for over 1,300 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
That connection has clearly carried over to the NFL.
“Bo knows where I like the ball,” Franklin said after practice, smiling. “We’ve been grinding since college. We know each other’s tendencies. But I’m just grateful to be here and showing what I can do.”
Nix echoed the sentiment: “It’s crazy how we’ve just picked up where we left off. He’s making my job easy. All I have to do is put it in his zip code.”
That connection could be a major factor as both players fight for prominent roles in 2025. While Nix is still behind veterans Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson on the QB depth chart, Franklin is climbing the receiver ranks faster than anyone expected.
Outshining the Veterans
What makes Franklin’s rise so shocking isn’t just the highlight plays — it’s that he’s consistently outperforming seasoned NFL players.
On Day 10, Franklin caught all seven of his targets in team drills, including three contested catches and two first-down conversions on third-and-long situations. His footwork was crisp. His separation was undeniable. And his focus never wavered.
Meanwhile, projected starters like Sutton and Jeudy struggled to create space against Denver’s physical secondary.
“You can’t ignore it,” said offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “Every day he’s making plays. He’s doing everything we’ve asked — and then some.”
Veteran teammates are taking notice too. Sutton, now entering his seventh NFL season, praised the rookie’s mindset: “Troy’s not just fast — he’s smart. He studies, he asks questions, he’s humble. And when it’s time to ball out? He balls out.”
Fueling the Fans
Broncos fans who’ve watched open practices have quickly made Franklin a camp favorite. On Tuesday, chants of “Troy! Troy!” broke out after his one-handed grab. Kids screamed his name during autograph sessions. One fan even held a sign that read, “Franklin = WR1?”
On social media, videos of his Day 10 highlights have gone viral, drawing comparisons to rookie-season Odell Beckham Jr. and even a young DeSean Jackson.
“I just wanted to get noticed,” Franklin admitted. “Now I gotta prove I belong.”
So far, he’s doing just that.
From Overlooked to Unstoppable
Coming out of college, Franklin’s draft stock was a bit of a mystery. Despite a strong 2024 season at Oregon and elite speed (he ran a 4.37 at the combine), many scouts questioned his strength and physicality. Some saw him as a project player.
Now, those doubts are quickly fading.
“Troy’s a gamer,” said WR coach Keary Colbert. “He plays bigger than his frame. He’s not afraid to go over the middle, and he competes every single rep. You can’t coach heart, and that kid’s got it.”
If he continues this trajectory, Franklin could not only make the final roster — he could see significant playing time, especially in Sean Payton’s pass-heavy offense.
What’s Next?
With three more days of camp before the Broncos’ first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, all eyes are on Franklin. Payton hasn’t tipped his hand, but many believe Franklin will get extended snaps with the second-team offense — and maybe even a few reps with the starters.
“He’s earned a closer look,” Payton said. “This league’s about what you do with your opportunities. And right now, Troy’s making the most of his.”
If his Day 10 performance is any indication, this may just be the beginning of a breakout campaign.
Final Word
In a camp filled with question marks — new quarterbacks, offensive line shuffles, and looming expectations — Troy Franklin has delivered a jolt of excitement and promise. He’s not just another rookie trying to fit in. He’s forcing the Broncos to rethink everything they thought they knew about their receiving corps.